Seattle Culture
The Corporate Rocket
Mortenson Market Lead Cori Palmer rose through the ranks at lightning speed
Talk about a rapid rise. In 2009, Cori Palmer was a freshly minted graduate from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. It didn’t take her long to land a job as a business development associate at Mortenson, a Minneapolis-based construction company with a sizable Seattle presence. Five promotions later, Palmer…
Most Influential: Susan Lieu
Author, Playwright
Last spring, after publishing her first book, Vietnamese American author, playwright, and performer Susan Lieu went on a 30-stop national tour culminating in an event with the Vietnam Society at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Along the way, Lieu garnered reviews and praise from media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, Kirkus…
Why Nordstrom is a Brand to Watch
From going private to Black Friday, Nordstrom appears poised for success
Nordstrom has faced its fair share of criticism over the years, everything from inventory issues to store closures to financial performance. And there’s no denying that department stores are in a serious squeeze. But Placer.ai — a data company that measures, among other things, foot traffic — calls the Seattle retailer one of its “10…
Most Influential: Faraji Blakeney
Co-Executive Director, Yoga Behind Bars
In a system where rehabilitation often takes a back seat to punishment, Faraji Blakeney has carved out a space for healing. As co-executive director of Yoga Behind Bars (YBB), he’s working to disrupt the cycle of trauma and stress that many incarcerated individuals face daily. In 2007, Blakeney was sentenced to 20 years for drug-related…
The Hidden Costs of Smoking
Washington smokers spend more on cigarettes than residents in most states
Cigarettes killed my father. He smoked two to three packs of cigarettes each day and died of emphysema at age 76. It’s a slow, painful way to go. I remember him buying cartons of cigarettes at a time, but as a child I never thought about the money he spent on such a vile habit….
The Pulse: Shaking Off the Frost
Big ideas, jazzy teens, burger farewells, and dancing aluminum
Seattle’s about to get a blast of icy air — and while I love the sharp clarity of a cold morning, it’s easy to romanticize when I’m indoors with a cup of coffee and my coziest socks. What’s your go-to for staying warm? Fleece-lined everything? A massive stack of library books? Let’s ride this cold…
As Homelessness Persists, Every Step Counts
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission will build a new shelter for unhoused women and children
A 21-unit shelter for unhoused women and children may seem insignificant, but it represents another step toward eradicating homelessness in King County. Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission has received a $3 million award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to fund the construction of the emergency shelter in South King County for homeless…
Must List: Six Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Jan 16 - Jan 22
Lunar New Year, soulful grooves, and epic opera
How’s everyone holding up? Watching the L.A. fires is heartbreaking. It has me thinking about growing up in California when we had to evacuate during the 49er Fire. It came close to our house, but we were lucky — some of our friends weren’t. Fires like this are more common now, and even here, summer…
‘Winter ’25’ Explores What Connects Us
Three choreographers premiere powerful new works for Whim W’Him Contemporary Dance Studio
Choreographer Olivier Wevers has always been open about his collaborative process, especially when it comes to working with the members of his contemporary dance company Whim W’Him. From allowing them to help choose the artists they want to work with in the annual Choreographic Shindig to asking for input and feedback during rehearsals, Wevers draws…
Amazon Numbers Still Aren’t in, But Downtown is Again on the Upswing
The Downtown Seattle Association notes persistent gains in foot traffic
It’s still too early to weigh the ramifications of Amazon’s return-to-work mandate, but another report from the Downtown Seattle Association finds that more workers are returning to the city’s core on a daily basis. The organization’s Downtown Revitalization Dashboard shows a 5% increase in December compared to the same month in 2023. In fact, every…
Milken Institute Lauds Olympia for its Booming Tech Sector
The city ranks among the best in the U.S. for economic growth
You may not think of Olympia as a hub of innovative technology. You may not know that the city’s technology sector grew faster than that of any city in the United States from 2018 to 2023. You may also not be aware that the city is among the “most equal” in the country, meaning that…
Most Influential: Microsoft
Business, Equity
As Microsoft turns 50, it’s tempting to reflect on the software giant’s legacy. After all, this is a company that revolutionized personal computing, advanced productivity tools like Microsoft Office, and redefined gaming through Xbox. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith prefers to focus on what’s ahead. Think artificial intelligence that enhances productivity and creativity,…
Built on Trust
Company leaders reveal secrets to a buzzing, productive workplace. Hint: It’s more than perks.
At Pot O’ Gold Coffee Service, company leaders were pleasantly surprised when employees told them they enjoyed after-hours events with colleagues. At Fully Integrated Team HR — which has a remote workforce — employees often schedule in-person working sessions, sometimes with their children in tow. Salespeople who close a big deal ring a loud gong…
Join The Must List
Sign up and get Seattle's best events delivered to your inbox every week.